The Film Daily (1921)

unday, April 24, 1921 »JwM DAILY Good Western If You Like Them Mild "SUNSET JONES" American Film Co. — Pathe DIRECTOR Geo. L. Cox AUTHOR Daniel F. Whitcomb SCENARIO BY Not credited CAMERAMAN Not credited AS A WHOLE Satisfactory program western; contains no especially big moments but manages to hold the attention STORY Fairly interesting but might have been made more so by more force in dramatic sequences DIRECTION First rate for the most part; might have put in more action since it is a western PHOTOGRAPHY Good LIGHTINGS All right CAMERA WORK Average PLAYERS Charles Clary adequate in title role; Irene Rich good as heroine EXTERIORS Usual western INTERIORS . ., Correct DETAIL Satisfactory CHARACTER OF STORY Western "bad man" plans to kill his wife rather than leave her to her lover, when he himself is captured LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 5,000 feet A good western atmosphere without probably as much action as might be expected, is what is being offered in "Sunset Jones." The opening reel might have been a little more precise in laying the story foundation, but as it progresses is comprehensive enough. There seems to be presented too much onthe surface, that is, to the audience there isn't sufficient reason for the things that happen. For instance, David Rand is evidently a western "bad man" and the titles keep telling you of his deeds. Actual scenes of some of his adventures would lend reality to the picture and give you reason for believing that he received his just deserts when he is killed. For those who like westerns minus the "shootin," "Sunset Jones" should fulfill all desire for it is really mild, in fact just a bit too mild for a western. A fairly good suspense is created toward the end when Rand plots to have his wife killed by "accident" rather than leave her to be happy with her lover who is the man assigned to capture Rand. The direction is quite satisfactory on the whole, but more force injected into the dramatic sequences would ■ have improved the picture greatly. It is, inclined to run along in too much the same tone. Charles Clary portrays the hero satisfactorily but has a peculiar manner of registering a variety of expressions by lifting his eyebrows. Irene Rich as Rand's wife does good work. John Ballard, Division Superintendent of a western railroad, finally discharges David Rand because of his dishonesty. Ranc' nd his band continue their maraud ing escapades. Marion, wife of Rand but separated from him, is visited one day by "Sunset" Jones. Previous to her marriage to Rand, Marion had been in love with Jones but Rand had poisoned her mind against him by telling her that Jones was a man-killer. Rand learns that Jones is in town and is prepare:! for trouble. While in the town saloon Rand is about to be arrested when one of his band kills the sheriff and the "bad man" escapes. Before the sheriff dies he authorizes Jones to go after Rand and arrest him. Rand sends for Marion to come to his hiding place. She goes and when Jones hears it he follows. Jones arrives in time to save Marion and Rand is killed, leaving Marion free to marry her former sweetheart. Should Satisfy On Average Program Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor Exhibitors who know their patrons like mild western features will probably satisfy them with "Sunset Jones." You might use the name of Charles Clary in billing the picture and also that of Irene Rich. She will be remembered as appearing in some recent Will Rogers pictures. If you know this sort of western will please your folks you can make promises for "Sunset Jones." Catchlines should attract and use them along this line: "She was married to a western 'bad man." but in love with the man who was sent to arrest him. ll was a case of love or duty. Which did she choose? See the solution in 'Sunset Jones,' featuring Charles Clary and Irene Rich." Other lines can be worked up along the same idea to get them interested.